UPDATE 1: Edit appears at the end of this article regarding our latest thoughts on this story and what we’re hearing from industry sources.

The announcement that all fans of the UNCHARTED franchise have been waiting for (other than the big UNCHARTED 3 one, of course) seems to have been pre-empted by one Mr. Mark Wahlberg. You will remember that it was rumoured that he would be teaming up with David O. Russell to play our hero, Nathan Drake in the upcoming movie based upon Drake’s Fortune? Well, it has been firmly suggested in an interview with the actor that the rumours are in fact true. It seems, faithful reader, that Mark Wahlberg has been cast as Nathan Drake.

Several sources across the internet point to the interview, in which Mark Wahlberg says “hopefully we will be making the movie this summer” referring to himself and writer/director David Russell. Wahlberg claims that “The idea he has is just insane[…]It is not going to be the watered down version; that’s for sure.” Having worked together in the past the news maybe should not be so shocking.

We’ve embedded the video of that interview below.

Natey Nate and the Funky Bunch?

While the apparent news that “Marky Mark” is Nathan will come as a surprise to many (fans had previously hoped for Nathan Fillion and Joe Flanigan, among other likely candidates to play the role) what seems even more startling is the apparent creation of two new characters. Wahlberg informs us that Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci are to be approached by Russell, of which those familiar with the rumour will be aware. However, what is intriguing is that Wahlberg claims that Russell is to write the parts of Nathan’s father and uncle for De Niro and Pesci (respectively). We have never met any family members of Nate’s yet, and therefore their apparent inclusion causes concern.

Why create two new characters in an existing plot? There are several possibilities, the first being that Marky Mark has not done sufficient research as yet, and has seen the faces of Sully (and at a stretch Gabriel Roman) and assumed the familial connection. Another possibility is that the film isn’t Drake’s Fortune after all, but another story about the life and times of Nathan Drake. This seems to be unlikely, though, as it has already been all but confirmed that the film will follow the events of the first game. On the other hand, it was reported that Russell saw little in the game other than “a name and a concept” so anything could be up for revision. The final possibility that I see is that Russell is just making stuff up.

The reaction to the news seems to be mostly one of surprise, mixed with a little bit of distaste, but I think we should give Mark Wahlberg a chance to show us what he can make of the character. He may not have been brought up in many discussions about who should or should not fill the boots of Drake, but it looks like it will be him, and there is not much anyone can do to change that.

We’ve reached out to Sony Pictures to get a statement but have yet to get a response. Stay tuned for more news.

UPDATE 1 [5pm EST, 11/24/10]: Industry sources are telling us that because a screenplay has not been submitted to the studio yet, the film has yet to officially enter the “development” stage. As such, it has not been greenlit, has not gotten a budget and casting has not begun. Any casting discussion is pure speculation. Articles using the word “confirmed” are specifically speaking to Mr. Walhberg’s interview (since there is no official statement from the studio), and may have just been a misspeak. Our opinion is that Mr. Wahlberg was caught off-guard in the interview and was speaking based on his wishes for the project. This isn’t uncommon when doing promotional interviews for a project with the same director; Mark Walhberg stars in David O. Russell’s upcoming film, The Fighter, also starring Christian Bale). Our final thought: keep your campaigns going for your favorite actors, friends, there’s lots of time.

What are your thoughts about Mark’s interview and surprising revelation? Let us know in the comments below!

Hi everybody! wow! There're only "Fillion's lovers" around here! I really, really REALLY love him in Castle, but I can't see him play Drake, even if he has the charm and the looks. Because if I'm being honest with myself (and it's painful, trust me =D) I have to admit that Nathan is a little too old to play Drake, who is in his 30s. It would be weird to see him do all those incredible stunts, I think, and not credible. Considering I simply HATE the Mark Wahlberg's alternative, I would rather think about a younger actor, not as famous like Jensen Ackles for instance. There's a funny vid on youtube to give us an idea of what it would be like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4VvhMpAJno

i actually guarantee extra people today for instance nate fillion as compared with marky symbol anyway/ the key reason why a heck would probably people pick and choose a strong indignant wanting, unfunny male so that you can have fun with the following magnificent factor?? m ough bob that you are your sellout similar to george lucas youre just simply in buying it your money can buy. you'll have designed your special dvd in lieu of having potential payne in the recreation dvd plus slapping uncharted upon it! merely possibly have the opportunity to write/direct pictures, i'm just unquestionably having uncharted topside with this variety for your BUFF reprise.

@stephmarie8519 Hi. It seems there's been an error. The link you post here leads folks to a "petition to ban petitions." If you did not intend for this to happen, would you please delete this and repost the link you meant to send? If it is in support of Nathan for Drake, I'm signing it!

david is just looking for a popular star to play the role, i bet more people like nate fillion than marky mark anyway/ why the hell would they pick an angry looking, unfunny guy to play this awesome role?? f u david you're a sellout just like george lucas youre just in it for the money. you should have made your own movie instead of putting max payne in our game movie and slapping uncharted on it! if i ever get the chance to write/direct films, i'm definitely putting uncharted on the top of my list for a FAN remake

Seriously? Nathan Fillion has to play this role! Video game movies don't have a good chance already, soooo let's start this thing off with actual fans here! The people want Nathan Fillion and are already primed to see it, but with Mark...... He is not a bad actor but he is not Nathan! The quickest way to make a flop is to go with star power over fan power. We are the ones that pay the bills! If they want to make a franchise here which you know they do, they need the fanboys and girls that make the films into a cult following! Mark just lacks the charisma for this role.

Oh Hollywood you always amaze me, how you can not give a shit about anything that the fans say, but its probably for the better we see how things turn out when your companys motto is every voice counts aka Blizzard

@CyruzDraxs Exactly!!!! Picking the right actor is essential because a plot line can recover in part 2, but the wrong actor can't. The last wolerine movie tank on the story line but the actor is such a good fit that it will recover with a better script and fans will still go to see it. But wrong actor and it will never go anywhere. Would Back to the Future of had that many sequals if they would have stayed with the first guy and not reshot the whole movie? Ive seen that original and its just not a good fit.

@Penelope_Jelly The Uncharted series could easily become the modern day Indiana Jones, but there is no way that will happen with Mark Wahlberg leading the show. I really hope they reconsider and go with Nathan Fillion, it's obviously what the fans want, and Nathan Fillion could much more suitably fill that character dynamic.

This site and its Twitter account is not affiliated with Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. or Naughty Dog, Inc. and is solely managed by fans of the UNCHARTED franchise. "UNCHARTED: Drake's Fortune", "UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves", and "UNCHARTED 3: Drake's Deception" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Game created and developed by Naughty Dog, Inc. "PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", and the "PS" logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The Naughty Dog logo is a registered trademark of Naughty Dog, Inc. Social icons (in color) by Komodo Media, Rogie King and (in black) by Dave McNally. Special thanks to Dan Rubin, Jesse Gardner, and Rogie King.